I'd like to think the American public is smarter than that, but then I look around me, and realize that no, there is a large segment that is not, and it makes me sad.After hearing horror story after horror story about Spirit, there's no way you'll get me to buy a ticket from them, but apparently there are people out there that will, and they'll end up getting what they pay for (actually less than they pay for once fees are included). I also have to wonder what a company known for cutting corners does when it comes time for some expensive jet maintenance.

I've flown Spirit once. I took a last-minute trip to NYC (as in, decided to fly and was in a cab 15 mins later, booking the flight) and went with Spirit because it was the "cheapest" I saw on Kayak, and I hadn't heard anything about them to deter me. Never again. The bullshiat nickle and dime they don't tell you about, the poor service, just overall awfulness. And they cancelled my return trip without alerting me until I got to the airport, took forever to get me a new flight and a ride back to Manhattan.

A group of us are going to Vegas in July, and Spirit is the cheapest option, but we've all flat out refused to fly them. fark Spirit.

Car_Ramrod:I've flown Spirit once. I took a last-minute trip to NYC (as in, decided to fly and was in a cab 15 mins later, booking the flight) and went with Spirit because it was the "cheapest" I saw on Kayak, and I hadn't heard anything about them to deter me. Never again. The bullshiat nickle and dime they don't tell you about, the poor service, just overall awfulness. And they cancelled my return trip without alerting me until I got to the airport, took forever to get me a new flight and a ride back to Manhattan.

A group of us are going to Vegas in July, and Spirit is the cheapest option, but we've all flat out refused to fly them. fark Spirit.

I think a good portion of Spirit customers fall into the category of what you described above. First time customer, not familiar with their policies, never doing it again.

I can't imagine they have much repeat business, and if they don't, they will only last until they start running out of people that haven't been burned yet. At least, that is my hope.

Car_Ramrod:I've flown Spirit once. I took a last-minute trip to NYC (as in, decided to fly and was in a cab 15 mins later, booking the flight) and went with Spirit because it was the "cheapest" I saw on Kayak, and I hadn't heard anything about them to deter me. Never again. The bullshiat nickle and dime they don't tell you about, the poor service, just overall awfulness. And they cancelled my return trip without alerting me until I got to the airport, took forever to get me a new flight and a ride back to Manhattan.

A group of us are going to Vegas in July, and Spirit is the cheapest option, but we've all flat out refused to fly them. fark Spirit.

Round trip cab fare (+ tip) between Manhatten and JFK is more than most Spirit flights.

Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

mcreadyblue:Car_Ramrod: I've flown Spirit once. I took a last-minute trip to NYC (as in, decided to fly and was in a cab 15 mins later, booking the flight) and went with Spirit because it was the "cheapest" I saw on Kayak, and I hadn't heard anything about them to deter me. Never again. The bullshiat nickle and dime they don't tell you about, the poor service, just overall awfulness. And they cancelled my return trip without alerting me until I got to the airport, took forever to get me a new flight and a ride back to Manhattan.

A group of us are going to Vegas in July, and Spirit is the cheapest option, but we've all flat out refused to fly them. fark Spirit.

Round trip cab fare (+ tip) between Manhatten and JFK is more than most Spirit flights.

Luckily they gave me a towncar on them, which was the only high point of the trip. I was also staying with friends, so I wasn't too upset about another night out drinking (the new flight was the next morning).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

hailin:Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

I fly spirit three or four times per year. They're pretty good at informing you of their fees when booking. Yes, they're outrageous fees, but they tell you clearly two or three times before you pay. People who are too stupid to read the 28 point font and expect steak for burger prices are at fault here.

They have by far the surliest flight staff in the skies. I consider it free entertainment to watch them insult the cattle.

Champion of the Sun:People who are too stupid to read the 28 point font and expect steak for burger prices are at fault here.

I actually feel that is kind of an overarching problem in American society."I bought this TV at WalMart, why did it break right after the warranty period?""I paid $.99 for this cheese why doesn't it have cheese in it?"

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

Wouldn't it make sense to find another airline at that point?

It depends on how much the hassle is worth to you. If I'm flexible with my dates I can fly round trip non-stop to my parents for $90 including taxes. Even if I need a specific date it's maybe double that. If all you need is a carry on and a flight, you can easily save $500. I really value my time, but I'm happy to wait a couple of hours to save that much money. They still get you where you need to go and as someone else said, every fee is very clearly laid out. They don't try to pretend to be something they aren't, which is cheap air travel.

I don't understand why people are pretending the other airlines aren't doing the exact same thing. Just because they charge more up front, doesn't mean they are any different. Instead of $70 to check a bag, you get $200 on the ticket and then STILL might have a check fee.

Champion of the Sun:I fly spirit three or four times per year. They're pretty good at informing you of their fees when booking. Yes, they're outrageous fees, but they tell you clearly two or three times before you pay. People who are too stupid to read the 28 point font and expect steak for burger prices are at fault here.

They have by far the surliest flight staff in the skies. I consider it free entertainment to watch them insult the cattle.

This. I've flown Spirit a few times and have had no problems. I read up front where I could get charged for services, and what to expect. Oddly, these flights have gone smoothly for me. I also like their "upgrade on the fly" to the front of the plane benefit that they sometimes run.Also, round trip from MSP to ORD for under $129 after fees, can't beat that with a stick.

cannotsuggestaname:hailin: Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

You are the reason that we can't have nice things.

No, the nice things are still there for the taking. It's called 'Business class'.

2) "Flying is terrible because there's all these unexpected fees they hit you with." (like what?)

You want to complain about fees, start with the cell phone companies. They advertise a $39/mo plan and then add $12 worth of crap on top, and seemingly can't even tell you what it will total before you sign the contract. If I go to an airline's site, and I see a flight is $268, then it WILL BE $268. That includes all taxes and fees by law.Yes, baggage might be $25, which seems reasonable to me since many travelers don't check bags, and by now everyone should know about it.

Yeah, Spirit and Allegiant are worse with carry-on fees and terrible customer service, but how much of the market do they represent? Like .05%?

Sarsin:I actually feel that is kind of an overarching problem in American society."I bought this TV at WalMart, why did it break right after the warranty period?""I paid $.99 for this cheese why doesn't it have cheese in it?"

Yeah, this. And if you try to tell someone that spending a little more on a big ticket item can give them the quality they want, you'll get the old "Well who can afford that in this economy"?

//Tired of hearing about "this economy"... it's the new "in this day and age" security concern.

Car_Ramrod:I've flown Spirit once. I took a last-minute trip to NYC (as in, decided to fly and was in a cab 15 mins later, booking the flight) and went with Spirit because it was the "cheapest" I saw on Kayak, and I hadn't heard anything about them to deter me. Never again. The bullshiat nickle and dime they don't tell you about, the poor service, just overall awfulness. And they cancelled my return trip without alerting me until I got to the airport, took forever to get me a new flight and a ride back to Manhattan.

A group of us are going to Vegas in July, and Spirit is the cheapest option, but we've all flat out refused to fly them. fark Spirit.

2) "Flying is terrible because there's all these unexpected fees they hit you with." (like what?)

You want to complain about fees, start with the cell phone companies. They advertise a $39/mo plan and then add $12 worth of crap on top, and seemingly can't even tell you what it will total before you sign the contract. If I go to an airline's site, and I see a flight is $268, then it WILL BE $268. That includes all taxes and fees by law.Yes, baggage might be $25, which seems reasonable to me since many travelers don't check bags, and by now everyone should know about it.

Yeah, Spirit and Allegiant are worse with carry-on fees and terrible customer service, but how much of the market do they represent? Like .05%?

You have the wrong cell phone plan. My advertises as $30 a month and I pay exactly $30 a month. No tax or fees. Airplane travel sucks because if they screw up and you're delayed 2-3 hours you often have no recourse when at that point it would have been cheaper and as quick to drive there.

neaorin:cannotsuggestaname: hailin: Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

You are the reason that we can't have nice things.

No, the nice things are still there for the taking. It's called 'Business class'.

And if you learn the tricks of the trade, you can fly business class internationally for coach prices.

FTA:"They make it very difficult to speak to anyone," she says. "Luckily, I'm computer-savvy and simply Googled 'Spirit Airlines customer service number' since it's not on the homepage under 'Customer Service' on the bottom of the page and 'Help' takes you to questions, and not contact numbers."

Protip: If you think you're computer-savvy because you can type an obvious search phrase into Google, you ain't.

Champion of the Sun:I fly spirit three or four times per year. They're pretty good at informing you of their fees when booking. Yes, they're outrageous fees, but they tell you clearly two or three times before you pay. People who are too stupid to read the 28 point font and expect steak for burger prices are at fault here.

They have by far the surliest flight staff in the skies. I consider it free entertainment to watch them insult the cattle.

They're cheap and they get me to where I want to go. I actually like that they break down everything by cost, it gives me more freedom than other airlines that roll their costs all into one price for everyone. If I'm making a quick flight and don't bring a carry-on why shouldn't I get a discount?

First, I never fly anything less than business. I prefer first class. Why? It isn't that much more expensive but the value is that much greater. Riding in the back with the cattle is only a step up from riding with the luggage.

That said, here's a handy little trick for you...

If you're going with a group of 5 or maybe 6 people (or more) then don't bother with the airlines. Skip them entirely and charter your flight. Believe it or not, it is often less expensive (the break even point seems to be 5 or 6 people the last time I did this, it has been around that amount for a while now) and you skip all the hassles. You don't have to deal with the security, the baggage fee crap, and the people are usually a hell of a lot nicer. Is it expensive? Not really, not so much so that it isn't worth it and it really does tend to work out about right at about a half dozen folks.

I admit it has been a couple of years since I've cared about the price. It is just worth it for me at this point. Charter even means that sometimes you'll get to go up front, chill with the pilot, and maybe even fly the plane for a while. They say the smaller planes are less safe and statistics seem to bear that out but I've yet to have any issues other than being tossed around a bit more during storms.

Really... Charter that smaller jet and see the difference. Hell, you can even smoke on some of them. You can bring your own booze! You can generally have a grand old time on them and party it up. It is WELL worth it to me though, again, I haven't really compared prices in a couple of years or... No, probably more like 4 or 5 years since I compared prices now that I think about it. Either way, if you have a group of folks going to the same spot to do the same things then chartering your flight is the only way to go. At the very least upgrade to business or even first class.

So I probably should have checked the current prices. I don't imagine they've changed all that much in proportion to air fare with Cattle Train Airlines Inc.

First, I never fly anything less than business. I prefer first class. Why? It isn't that much more expensive but the value is that much greater. Riding in the back with the cattle is only a step up from riding with the luggage.

That said, here's a handy little trick for you...

If you're going with a group of 5 or maybe 6 people (or more) then don't bother with the airlines. Skip them entirely and charter your flight. Believe it or not, it is often less expensive (the break even point seems to be 5 or 6 people the last time I did this, it has been around that amount for a while now) and you skip all the hassles. You don't have to deal with the security, the baggage fee crap, and the people are usually a hell of a lot nicer. Is it expensive? Not really, not so much so that it isn't worth it and it really does tend to work out about right at about a half dozen folks.

I admit it has been a couple of years since I've cared about the price. It is just worth it for me at this point. Charter even means that sometimes you'll get to go up front, chill with the pilot, and maybe even fly the plane for a while. They say the smaller planes are less safe and statistics seem to bear that out but I've yet to have any issues other than being tossed around a bit more during storms.

Really... Charter that smaller jet and see the difference. Hell, you can even smoke on some of them. You can bring your own booze! You can generally have a grand old time on them and party it up. It is WELL worth it to me though, again, I haven't really compared prices in a couple of years or... No, probably more like 4 or 5 years since I compared prices now that I think about it. Either way, if you have a group of folks going to the same spot to do the same things then chartering your flight is the only way to go. At the very least upgrade to business or even first class.

So I probably should have checked the current prices. I don't imagine they ...

First, I never fly anything less than business. I prefer first class. Why? It isn't that much more expensive but the value is that much greater. Riding in the back with the cattle is only a step up from riding with the luggage.

That said, here's a handy little trick for you...

If you're going with a group of 5 or maybe 6 people (or more) then don't bother with the airlines. Skip them entirely and charter your flight. Believe it or not, it is often less expensive (the break even point seems to be 5 or 6 people the last time I did this, it has been around that amount for a while now) and you skip all the hassles. You don't have to deal with the security, the baggage fee crap, and the people are usually a hell of a lot nicer. Is it expensive? Not really, not so much so that it isn't worth it and it really does tend to work out about right at about a half dozen folks.

I admit it has been a couple of years since I've cared about the price. It is just worth it for me at this point. Charter even means that sometimes you'll get to go up front, chill with the pilot, and maybe even fly the plane for a while. They say the smaller planes are less safe and statistics seem to bear that out but I've yet to have any issues other than being tossed around a bit more during storms.

Really... Charter that smaller jet and see the difference. Hell, you can even smoke on some of them. You can bring your own booze! You can generally have a grand old time on them and party it up. It is WELL worth it to me though, again, I haven't really compared prices in a couple of years or... No, probably more like 4 or 5 years since I compared prices now that I think about it. Either way, if you have a group of folks going to the same spot to do the same things then chartering your flight is the only way to go. At the very least upgrade to business or even first class.

So I probably should have checked the current prices. I don't imagine they ...

Doesn't work on international flights. Looked into it last year for 10 of us flying to Europe would have cost around $40,000 business class tickets were only around $2k. I'm willing to bet it is even more expensive going to Asia/Africa.

I just had to book a flight for work. I saw the spirit fares and looked at their website. By the time I checked a bag and brought on my carry ons, they were more expensive than the other options. So I just went with soutwest. I know what I have to pay and I've already paid it, no surprises by someone holding a credit card reader.

neaorin:cannotsuggestaname: hailin: Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

You are the reason that we can't have nice things.

No, the nice things are still there for the taking. It's called 'Business class'.

cannotsuggestaname:neaorin: cannotsuggestaname: hailin: Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

You are the reason that we can't have nice things.

No, the nice things are still there for the taking. It's called 'Business class'.

heh, actually I call it Virgin First Class (no that isn't a rank!)

FWIW (and please correct me if I'm wrong), Virgin doesn't have First Class. They're a three class carrier, topping out with (admittedly one of the best) business class.

UnspokenVoice:If you're going with a group of 5 or maybe 6 people (or more) then don't bother with the airlines. Skip them entirely and charter your flight. Believe it or not, it is often less expensive (the break even point seems to be 5 or 6 people the last time I did this, it has been around that amount for a while now) and you skip all the hassles.

Bull.

You can fly 5-6 people cross country, in first class, for maybe $8,000. Last second full fare and need first class still? Ok, maybe it costs you a way overpriced $20k to do it.

If you want to fly 5-6 passengers cross country without refueling in a chartered jet you're looking at a 8-10 seat jet minimum, which is going to cost you around $5000/hr including surcharges and taxes, or about $50,000.

You're right that it's less hassle and convenient, and I'm sure it's nice, and if people can afford it that's great. But I think you are WAY out of touch with most normal folks. Because chartering a plane is not even in the same ballpark as flying commercially. Show me some numbers that made it work for you please.

digistil:cannotsuggestaname: neaorin: cannotsuggestaname: hailin: Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

You are the reason that we can't have nice things.

No, the nice things are still there for the taking. It's called 'Business class'.

heh, actually I call it Virgin First Class (no that isn't a rank!)

FWIW (and please correct me if I'm wrong), Virgin doesn't have First Class. They're a three class carrier, topping out with (admittedly one of the best) business class.

Virgin America certainly has First Class. It is an awesome ride too. I just wish they flew to more places. Virgin Atlantic has something called Upper Class, which is also awesome. Side tilted, lay flat seats with your own private screen and power for your devices. It is way better than any business class I have ever seen.

I haven't flown Virgin Australia so I don't know what they have or don't have.

First, I never fly anything less than business. I prefer first class. Why? It isn't that much more expensive but the value is that much greater. Riding in the back with the cattle is only a step up from riding with the luggage.

That said, here's a handy little trick for you...

If you're going with a group of 5 or maybe 6 people (or more) then don't bother with the airlines. Skip them entirely and charter your flight. Believe it or not, it is often less expensive (the break even point seems to be 5 or 6 people the last time I did this, it has been around that amount for a while now) and you skip all the hassles. You don't have to deal with the security, the baggage fee crap, and the people are usually a hell of a lot nicer. Is it expensive? Not really, not so much so that it isn't worth it and it really does tend to work out about right at about a half dozen folks.

I admit it has been a couple of years since I've cared about the price. It is just worth it for me at this point. Charter even means that sometimes you'll get to go up front, chill with the pilot, and maybe even fly the plane for a while. They say the smaller planes are less safe and statistics seem to bear that out but I've yet to have any issues other than being tossed around a bit more during storms.

Really... Charter that smaller jet and see the difference. Hell, you can even smoke on some of them. You can bring your own booze! You can generally have a grand old time on them and party it up. It is WELL worth it to me though, again, I haven't really compared prices in a couple of years or... No, probably more like 4 or 5 years since I compared prices now that I think about it. Either way, if you have a group of folks going to the same spot to do the same things then chartering your flight is the only way to go. At the very least upgrade to business or even first class.

So I probably should have checked the current prices. I don't imagine they ...

I call shenanigans. Chartering a jet is incredibly expensive. I know. I'm a pilot (not professionally-just a hobby), and my brother in law flies private jet charters, and my father in law runs a flight school but charters his Cirrus on the side.

You aren't fitting 6 people and all the requisite luggage on anything smaller than a small jet for a long flight. (prop planes need to stop and refuel on longer flights and aren't terribly feasible time wise for much more than going across a state or two) And even a short chartered jet flight is going to run you will over 10K. You MIGHT save a little if you know some pilots and are flexible and fly a dead leg, but the scenario you put forth above is bullshiat.

redslippers:I call shenanigans. Chartering a jet is incredibly expensive. I know. I'm a pilot (not professionally-just a hobby), and my brother in law flies private jet charters, and my father in law runs a flight school but charters his Cirrus on the side.

You aren't fitting 6 people and all the requisite luggage on anything smaller than a small jet for a long flight. (prop planes need to stop and refuel on longer flights and aren't terribly feasible time wise for much more than going across a state or two) And even a short chartered jet flight is going to run you will over 10K. You MIGHT save a little if you know some pilots and are flexible and fly a dead leg, but the scenario you put forth above is bullshiat.

Yeah, I too am just a hobbyist, instrument pilot, so while I haven't personally chartered a jet I also know you aren't putting 6 people and bags on something like a Citation Mustang and flying cross country for the weekend. You're talking more like Gulfstream, Falcon 50, Citation X territory and many tens of thousands of dollars.

I won't argue that it's not worth it if you have the cash... but I can't come up with a scenario where a charter is going to even remotely resemble the cost of 6 first class tickets, much less coach.

cannotsuggestaname:digistil: cannotsuggestaname: neaorin: cannotsuggestaname: hailin: Wait, I'm confused. Is all people are upset about is their fees outside of the ticket? I fly Allegiant quite a bit (same idea) and I just make sure to have $100 in cash on me round trip for my bag, drinks, and snacks. It still saves me about $400 to Mesa and I don't have any layovers (which every other flight leaving out of here does).

I do get tired of their consistent tardiness though. In the past ten flights only 1 has been on time, 2 only an hour late, and the rest 2+ hours (usually 4 though). It is just a pain sitting around for that long.

You are the reason that we can't have nice things.

No, the nice things are still there for the taking. It's called 'Business class'.

heh, actually I call it Virgin First Class (no that isn't a rank!)

FWIW (and please correct me if I'm wrong), Virgin doesn't have First Class. They're a three class carrier, topping out with (admittedly one of the best) business class.

Virgin America certainly has First Class. It is an awesome ride too. I just wish they flew to more places. Virgin Atlantic has something called Upper Class, which is also awesome. Side tilted, lay flat seats with your own private screen and power for your devices. It is way better than any business class I have ever seen.

I haven't flown Virgin Australia so I don't know what they have or don't have.

Domestic first class is crap and well below international business class. Virgin Upper Class is internatipnal business class. (Real; international) first class is a step up from (international) business class and is usually triple the price. I don't think real domestic first class still exists anywhere in the world.